Prevalence and work-related risk factors for reduced activities and absenteeism due to low back symptoms

Although quite a lot is known about the risk factors for low back symptoms (LBS), less is known about the risk factors for the consequences of LBS. A sample of 3003 men and women randomly selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll, were interviewed by telephone about self reported physical, psychosocial, organizational, environmental factors and the consequences of LBS (i.e. self-reported reduced activities and absenteeism). The 12-month period prevalence of reduced activities and absenteeism were 18% and 9%, respectively. Lifting (OR 1.79 95% CI 1.16–2.77) increased the risk of reduced activities. Working in awkward/tiring positions (OR 2.11 95% CI 1.20–3.70) and in a cold/damp environment (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.11–4.28) increased the risk of absenteeism. Among those with LBS, reduced activities increased with working in a hot/warm environment (OR 2.14 95% CI 1.22–3.76) and absenteeism was increased with work in awkward/tiring positions (OR 2.06 95% CI 1.13–3.77), tight deadlines (OR 1.89 95% CI 1.02–3.50), and a hot/warm environment (OR 3.35 95% CI 1.68–6.68). Interventions to reduce the consequences of LBS should aim to reduce awkward/tiring positions, lifting and work in a cold/damp environment. For individuals with LBS, additional focus should be to reduce tight deadlines, and work in hot/warm environments.

► The prevalence of reduced activities and absenteeism due to LBS were 18% and 9%.
► Lifting increased the risk of reduced activities.
► Awkward/tiring positions and a cold/damp environment increased the risk of absenteeism.
► Interventions: reduce awkward/tiring positions, lifting, work in a cold/damp environment.